How Design Affects The Environment

Green is everywhere, it is in politics, the media, science, and technology. Many people have begun to embrace the idea of “going green”. As clients and designers, there are a few things we can do to take better care of the environment.

One way is to use email as a marketing approach instead of printed products. This will cut down the amount of paper usage that is clogging up our landfills. If cutting down on printing isn’t an option, try using recycled paper. Along with this type of paper, try printing with vegetable and soy based ink rather than petroleum-based inks. Not only is veggie and soy bean ink better for the environment, they are also a lot cheaper than oil and petroleum-based. Avoid using the method of full-bleed printing. This will not only reduce ink coverage but paper costs as well.

For designers, make conscious decisions during your creative process such as the amount of white space as the primary part of the design. Another way is to completely avoid using Pantone colors that are listed on the Environmental Protection Agency’s list for hazardous compounds.

For more information check out these articles about how design affects the environment "Designers Can Help Save the Planet" and "How Agencies Are Helping Their Clients Help the Environment".

"If we are to tackle climate change, a good place to start would be in convincing designers to be prepared to bring their strengths as creative thinkers — and makers — across the aisle to work with natural and social scientists."